Putting the T440s IPS screen in a T431s

All,

I decided to take the risk. Found the part number of the ips panel on the t440s to be B140HAN01.2. Found a vendor on ebay that sells it. Going to order it and hopefully not much drama getting it into the t431s. From what I found they both use the new eDP connector (30pin). Will update once I get the part and attempt install. In the meantime if anyone have good info to share on the subject, please do.

Lenovo Support - Parts Database Lookup
Laptop LCD Screen for AU Optronics B140HAN01 2 14 0" Full HD | eBay

Why do it?
Don't feel like paying $1200 on a t440s and having to deal with quality issues (bad keyboard on 1st one, yellow tint and very bad light leak on 2nd). Worrying about dings and having to handle it with extra care. A refurb t431s at the Lenovo outlet is about $560 after tax. At that price, I find peace.

Update:
Lcd install was a success.
For people interested in doing the same, the 1080p ips lcd costed $60 + $10 (shipping) at ScreenCountry.com.
IBM-Lenovo THINKPAD T440S 20AQ004GUS Notebook Display Replacement | LAPTOP & TABLET LCD SCREEN FROM $34.99.

Just need to pop out the bezel, undo 4 screws, some tape and the edp connector, takes about 15min. Be very careful on the wires that go around the lcd canvas, make sure they are in proper place before screwing the new one in. As for popping the bezel I started from the bottom center.

Here are a few pictures of the install.

Back panel compare.


After install.


After reboot.

 

I don´t think thats possible: The T431s has a LVDS connector, the T440s a eDP connector. You can´t use the new screen with the old system.

 

Found the lcd part number for the t431s to be 04Y1585. According to a few online lcd retailers its a eDP.

https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/model/IBM-Lenovo/FRU~04Y1585/
https://www.screencountry.com/index.php?section=products&model=FRU 04Y1585&brand=IBM-Lenovo

 

I think these are wrong informations:


There is no Ivy-Bridge ThinkPad with eDP.

 

Well that sucks. So the only option left is the x1 carbon's screen.

 

i was stuck in the same situation, was debating putting an M14x R2 alienware panel in my t430 or a x1 carbon, but just went ahead and sold it, only 30 dollars less than what i paid

 

Just had a conversation with Rick over at screencountry. The guy said the lcd connector is in the same location and its the same number of pins on both the t431s and t440s. So going to continue and carry out the plan. Ordered one for $70 shipping included.

On a side note, the cheapy TN screens were the same price as the IPS at screencountry. As for the price...surprised it was so cheap.

 

If this were possible i would have done this in my Y410p. Might as well wait for a FHD LVDS panel.

 

I have both laptops. If someone got info on how to safely remove the touch screen on the t440s, pass it along. I can do a test fit.

 

The glass-front is glued together with the display panel. You can´t seperate one from the other. If you want to use the FHD screen of the T440s in the T431s (which is impossible), you would need one of the non-Touch displays.

It won´t work at all, I am sure. "Rick" gave you wrong infos I think. The picture I have posted above is from a Lenovo document.

 

was just on a couple laptop screen websites, unless they are all wrong, they all say that the t431s is 30 pin eDP, same as t440s, and you can seperate touch displays on almost every touch laptop afaik, it is a pain in the *** and takes a while, not sure if the t431s will support 1080p though

 

You can separate them. With consequences. Irreversible ones in most cases.

 

Opening the t440s is off the table. Still gonna open up the t431s to see if its really a eDP. will update.

 

Just a quick update. Opened up the case on the t431s, the lcd connector cable going to the mainboard says edp, counted 30 pins as well. Did not actually look at the connector on the lcd panel yet, gonna wait till the new one comes before hacking on the bezel.

 

And in case anyone is wondering the 1600x900 on the t431s is really bad. To put it in reference to some of the previous notebooks I owned ,0-10, 10 being the best.

Thinkpad T400, T410, T410s, T431s (45% gamut, tn): 2.5
Thinkpad X1 Carbon: (72% gamut, tn): 6
Thinkpad T440s (72% gamut, ips: : 7.5
Thinkpad x200 (45% gamut, ips): 6
Eurocom Racer (98% gamut, tn): 7
Apple MacBook Pro Retina : (72% gamut, ips): 9
Alienware m15x, m17x: 5 (72% gamut, tn, I spend most of the time using it as a mirror)
HP Envy 15, Sony Vaio 15 (60ish% gamut, ips): 7

So why still buy thinkpads? Only 1 reason, the trackpoint.

 

Keep us updated! If this works i may see if it is possible on my t430s because the screen is terrible.

 

Good news, it works! Screen came in, installed it. Took only about 15minutes. Direct fit. No drama, no issues on the hardware install. On the software side, screen looked weird till windows did a reboot. Everything works. Will update with pics later when I get time.

 

Thank you for following through with this mod.

You've given me plenty to think about over the next few days...

 

did it work even with the touchscreen? or did you remove that

 

My understanding is that the t430s has a 40pin lvsd connector (non edp), it might not work in your case. Most likely your next best bet is the x1 carbon screen. It really does have improved viewing angle and the color gamut is good (but viewing angle not as good as ips, and has a screen door effect).

 

Updated original post with pictures and some install details.

 

Good work, and thanks for sharing it with the community!

 

No touch screen was involve. I did not open up the t440s. I did the install with the new screen that I got from screencountry.com.

 

okay, thanks for the info, this is a really tempting mod, sucks that i would be voiding the warranty.

 

That would be disappointing if true...guess there is only one way to find out.. I'll report results after I've checked it out.

edit: Yeah I guess you were right, found this link: http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Replacing_T430_screen_with_a_better_one and this quote "T440p and T440s feature excellent IPS panels (HD+ and Full-HD), that by definition should be superior also to the screen mounted on X1 Carbon. They've been reported to have same dimensions but completely different connectors (eDP instead of LVDS). No consistent solution to this problem seems to have been put forward." Looks like I'm stuck with this garbage screen.

 

carbon screen is still an option, it has nice contrast levels and black levels, it's pretty good tn panel for 14" mod, it's 40 pin as far as i know, it will require a little modifications such as shims and double sided tape along with extra connectors, but i went to the store a while ago and the screen was surprisingly nice for a TN panel

 

Thanks much for the valuable feedback. TN screens always give me a bit of pause, but I have heard that the X1 screen is somewhat of a diamond in the rough like you are saying. I think I may give it a go, the stock HD+ screen is downright embarrassing.

 

notebookcheck rates the panel on the x1 carbon as

brightness average of 280 nits

black level: .43

contrast: 681:1

pretty good gamut

and

x240 IPS panel for example

330 nits

712:1 contrast

.98 black level

viewing angles are obviously going to be better, but overall panel quality will be similar with the brightness being lower, but the brightness on the t430 stock screen is good enough for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOkNKaKqzYg

 

Dreamwonder,

Thanks for posting this. Although I love everything else about my t431s, I hate the screen more and more each time I use it. I'd be very upset if I hadn't gotten such a great deal at the outlet.

Anyway, I had hoped an upgrade like this was possible, and you've got me seriously considering it. Would you mind answering a couple more questions about the process?

• You mention prying the bezel off easily. Would you mind describing the process in more detail. Now that you've replaced the display, can you tell that you've worked on the computer, or did the bezel snap perfectly back into place?

• The 20AQ004GUS panel you purchased is only listed as a compatible model. The actual B140HAN01.2 display is significantly more expensive. How did you decide on the 20AQ004GUS rather than one of the many other compatible displays listed on screencountry? How does the quality of the display you purchased compare to the official model? Does your display have any dead pixels?

Thanks again.

 

The bezel comes off easy, just start from the bottom and use your fingers. To be clear, bottom does not mean the bottom of the lcd casing. Bottom means right below the icon rows in Windows, just create a gap on the lip with your fingers and the bezel will start popping. I actually taken it off like 5 times, goes back on perfect. Had to troubleshooting a clicking noise, that turns out to be the 2 pieces of black tape that goes on the 2 hinges, I had to remove them as they don't stick like new, the flexing of the lcd case causes them to unstick/restick making the noise.

As for the lcd there is 2 models, the AUO and the LG, ebay has the AUO for 100. ScreenCountry won't tell you which one u getting, so I guess is what they have on hand. I got the LG. No dead pixels. Similar quality to the 2 t440s that I had. For 70 bucks...its a steal. But if u want peace of mind, get the AUO screen (its slightly better, look at the t440s owners thread for my comparison of the 2).

Btw, how much did u pick up the t431s for, if u don't mind me asking. Got mine for $560, taxed and shipped. i5 3337u, 4gb, 500gb. Upgraded to 8gb (games run faster with the dual channel) and 256gb ssd. Putting a AC wifi card in it when ebay starts getting them for $35.

 

Thanks, dreamwonder. I may go ahead and give it a try. I've just got to weigh my desire for a better screen against my fear of screwing the computer up.

I paid 545 for mine, taxed and shipped. i5-3337u, 8gb RAM, 500gb HD and a 24GB SSD. The best part was that it was new, not refurbished.

 

The mod is pretty easy. If you have changed hd/ssds, memory upgrades in the pass, this is similar in difficulty. Btw, that is a great price.

Question, does your base flex at all? I notice mine is a little flexy on near the esc key. Gives a click noise sometimes when the lcd is moved. And very noticeable if I intentionally flex it (holding upper left corner with one hand, lower right corner with another and flexing it).

 

As an early adopter and early defender of the T431s (paid full price for it $900-something) I'm really looking forward to this mod. I put in an order for the screen from screencountry and will do a tutorial write up on replacing it. @dreamweaver thanks so much for taking the leap and testing what many of us were thinking was possible, even when some others in here claimed it was futile.

 

@dreamwonder - I haven't noticed any flex at all. In fact, my t431s seems as well built as anything I've seen short of my wife's unbody MacBook Pro. There are no annoying creaks, and the base is every bit as rigid as my last two laptops (a Dell d830 and a Dell e6400).

@tbranyen - I'd love to see your tutorial. I think that will make it a lot easier for me to decide whether to try doing the upgrade myself. When you post your tutorial, would you mind posting a link to this thread, too?

 

im really glad i found this thread. i just picked up a used T431s for $400 landed and i'm excited to pop in the upgraded 1080 IPS panel.

So Dreamwonder, since this thread is about 6 months old now, how have you liked your T431s with the upgraded screen? Is there anything you changed on it or wished it had different? I've also noticed that screen country has a matte and glossy 1080 IPS screens which are compatible. Did you go with the typical matte finish or the glossy? It also looks like the screen are up to $100 now on eBay. Do you know of anywhere else where it may be cheaper?

thanks for all the info, i look forwrad to my new 14" IPS laptop.

-King Andrew

 

So i've attempted this exact same upgrade, except installing the 1080 IPS screen into a Lenovo S431 ultrabook, WITHOUT success. The S431 has the same eDP 30-pin connection and I cross referenced the FRU numbers on the Lenovo parts website. The LCD FRU's used in the T431s identically matched up with the ones used in the S431, so I figured that it would be a perfect match. We'll I purchased the AUO B140HAN01.1 (since i've read that AUO makes a better screen over LG) off of ebay and waited for my refurbed S431 to arrive. The screen size and connector are all a perfect fit. The screens are both slim in size and the screw holes match up exactly.. However the new IPS 1080 screen will not light after it was installed. I couldn't believe it! I reset the eDP cable several times, but it won't light. I then re-installed the original 768x1366 TN screen and it lit right up..

Does anyone have insight as to why the screen will not work? It seems crazy to me that it works in the T431s which uses the same FRU numbers and eDP connection cable, but does not work in the S431. Is it possible that I purchased a faulty screen off ebay, or could it be related to the S431 not being able to supply ample power? Also, the screen version I attempted to install was the .1 version of AUO line, not the .2 version (B140HAN01.1). Could the issue be related to a screen version?

I appreciate any insight to this issue.

thank you,
-andrew

 

My guess would be a defective LCD panel. You should have no problem returning it for a refund/replacement.

Good luck.

 

Hi there friend, I'm facing the exact same issue! Except that mine was S440. My new FHD screen is prefect fit, with same connector etc. But it just wont light up when powered on. I confirm the new screen is fine. I tried something risky, when using plugged into the old 1366x768 screen, it works fine, then I unplugged it while the system is still running, plugged into the new screen. Surprisingly it lighted up and display is shown (just like OP pic2) ! I tried to do a restart but its went dead again.

Might consider changing the EDP cable, cause I noticed part of the EDP cable is connected to the webcam.

 

so I have some new detail to add.. Using the original screen, I went through all of the Lenovo and Microsoft windows updates. Afterword's, I disconnected the original screen, then with no screen installed, turned on the S431 and connected an external HDMI monitor. The HDMI monitor would NOT display an image. I had previously checked if it would display when I had the original 768x1366 screen installed, and it did with no problem.. so I then installed the 1080 IPS screen and tried to power it up. Again, nothing displayed on boot, BUT THEN! after playing with a few key combinations, the screen lit! However, it's only displaying on 1/3 of the left hand screen and cascading w/distortion on the rest. So I figured that all I needed was a driver update, since the system is showing that a 768x1366 screen installed. Well after disabling, uninstalling and trying to update the display driver, I still have the cascading image. What's funny is that all of the screen functions seem to be working properly. ie: brightening/dimming, external monitor, resolution change,, everything's working. But the system is still recognizing that it's a 768x1366 installed. So I then rebooted the system to hopefully clear the resolution problem,,, and as soon as I did the screen wen blank/black again. And this time, my random key combinations did not light it back up.

So, I reinstalled the original screen and it came back on properly. I played with a few settings, tried installing a couple monitor drivers then reinstalled the 1080 screen and turning it back one. Again, nothing turned on at boot, but as soon as I selected the FN screen brightness combo, the screen came back on again,, in the same small cascading distorted image. (for reference I've attached a pic of the screen image).

So now im wondering if it could be related to a few things.

1. Is the system now powering the screen properly? Meaning that even if the wrong driver is installed, shouldn't the screen still light when the system goes through POST? Does this 1080 screen require more power from the system?

2. Maybe the screen is still faulty? The image I've uploaded shows a distortion on the right hand side. Maybe the screen is causing this issue?

3. Is the HD 4000 graphics card sufficient enough to handle the 1080 IPS screen? Does anyone know of other laptops made using a 1080 IPS screen being pushed by the Intel 4000 graphics card?

I'm typing this note on the S431 in question. Other than what I've stated, the screen seems to be working fine. Dreamweaver, if you or anyone else who has successfully installed a 1080 IPS screen in the T431s, I'd love to know your system specs. Specifically, if your system had a dedicated or shared graphics card. I'm also open to any other insight or recommendations.

thanks for the help,
-Andrew

 

I'm pretty sure that the HD 4000 itself can drive a 1080p (or higher) screen just fine. I do wonder how standard the connectors and signalling (within the umbrella of LVDS or eDP) are with those internal laptop displays though.

 

@dixpected are you planning on swapping out the cable? I've noticed that there are two eDP monitor cables. One for the standard 768x1368 & 900x1600 screens and a second one for specifically for the touch screen assembly. Maybe the touch screen cable has a stronger throughput to support the 1080 IPS screen? I'm considering this upgrade myself.

In addition, and probably because im slightly neurotic and feel the need to take things apart,, i've just purchased a used T440 off of eBay. I spoke with a lenovo rep to told me that both the T440 and T440s use the same screens, except only the T440s has the 1080 IPS offering. I'm planning installing the same 1080 IPS screeen which i've been trying to install in the S431 into the T440.

For the record, I purchased the S431 w/Core i5, 8Gb RAM, 128gb SSD for $400 on Lenovo Outlet Store. I just purchased the T440 w/Core i5, 8Gb RAM, 256gb SSD for $450 on eBay. If I can get one to work properly, then i guess i'll just sell or gift the other. I'd preferably like to get both of them to work w/the 1080 IPS screen.. I'll update this thread as to my findings.

-andrew

 

Aren't touchscreens usually USB? The one on the t440s appears to be.

My feeling is that the cable for the touch assembly is the same but has USB included for that reason, and the other doesn't. I see no reason for a non-touch screen to need USB for itself (though webcams mounted in that assembly might).

 

just a quick update. The T440 arrived and the 1080 IPS screen worked w/no issues what-so-ever. The T440 also came with a 900x1600 res TN screen, which i was able to successfully install into the S431. The S431 instantly recognized the new screen and adjusted for it's resolution. I then attempted to pop back in the 1080 IPS screen, but ran into the exact same 'black screen' issues as before. The screen did flash on once which showed the same cascading/distorted imaging which i previously posted. This time, the S431 was recognizing the screen as the 900x1600 which had just been previously installed. I also sourced a new eDP cable for the touch screen version of the S431, but after swapping this out with the standard cable, it still did not work. So it's become clear now that my S431 will not support or recognize the 1080 IPS screen. This may be due to the signal in the cabling, or it may be because the Intel HD4000 graphics card will not push it. If anyone has a S431 w/an upgraded graphics card, I'd really be interested in knowing the 1080 IPS screen will work.

One more note regarding the T440 screen upgrade. For anyone attempting this, be aware that the screen bezel has a sticker which needs to be removed before the bezel and screen can be removed. There is a lot of adhesive holding this front facing sticker in place, so use a razor and go very slowly, or else you may ruin the sticker during removal. After the sticker is off, there are four screws which hold the bezel AND screen in place. These screws must be removed before attempting to remove the bezel. The process is a bit different than previous generation ThinkPads. Take your time, go slow, and you'll be very pleased once the new screen is in place.

I've also attached two photos of the T440 w/IPS 1080 screen (left), next to the S431 w/900x1600 TN screen (right). If you saw them in person, the IPS truly blows away the TN screen.

-andrew

 

Good morning America.

I'm aptenting to change my actual 1368x768 TN screen on my T440 (non S).

King andrew seems to succeed in this opération.(I'm not sure with my english and i'm french).

Did you have to change the link (the one wich transmit signal from T44O to the screen) ?

Would you have a link (internet) to a adequat screen for my T44O wich would be IPS, and eventually 1920x1080 ?

I'll be back...

 

yes touchscreens tend to be usb, in all my touchscreens in vmware esx or vmware workstation I can pass through the usb touch device to my vm.

 

@PhilliP190 Yes, there are two screen manufacturers of this 14" slim eDP 1080 screen. LG and AUOptronics. From what i've read, some of the LG screens have 'light bleed' from the edges, and I believe Lenovo has discontinued using the LGs for this reason. The one I personally installed in my T440 is made by AUOptronic, PN: B140HAN01.1, however I know there is a newer revision of this screen, which is PN: B140HAN01.2

If I were to do this upgrade again I'd get the newer revision of the AUO screen. Do an eBay search for "B140HAN01.2" and you'll find it. Good Luck!!

 

Thank you for you response Andrew.

I know from LG vs Lenovo and Dell XPS that it's 12.5 screen full HD for X240 and XPS 13 where suffering with ghosting problems.

Thank you for your first advises.

I've got few more questions...

You did not change the link did you ? If not, you get the benefit of the ips screen but you can not print 1920x1080, but only 1680x990, is it rignt ?

 

@PhiliP190 I'm not quite sure what you are referring to when you say "link", but I can tell you I did not change out any other parts on the T440 except for the screen All the rest of the T440 parts, including the LCD cable were the same original, stock parts. The T440 automatically recognized the screens high-resolution and adjusted it's settings to the recommended 1920x1080 resolution. So to answer your question, Yes I'm getting the full 1920x1080 screen resolution without having to change any additional parts.. I also posted a video on YouTube taking about the upgrade. It's not the best, but it may help. you can check it out here --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSFXzT8rjns

 

That is very very nice from you Andrew to share all this with us.

Yes, what i call "Link" is the EDP cable.

One more last question.

Your T440 came with the 1600x900 screen (right ?). My one came with the 1368x768 one. Do you think (know ?) the EDP cable maybe different with those two configurations ?

 

@PhiliP190 Yes, my T440 came with the 1600x900 screen which I ended up installing in the S431 (see earlier posts above). The eDP cable should be the same no matter which screen resolution is installed, so it should work fine.